Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
Shettima, who is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation, touched down at Bole International Airport ahead of the summit’s main events scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
High-Level Reception
Upon arrival, the Vice President was received by senior Ethiopian and Nigerian officials, including Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola; State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye; and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed.
Shortly after landing, Tuggar briefed Shettima on the summit’s agenda and Nigeria’s strategic priorities.
Focus on Water and Sanitation
This year’s summit, convened under the auspices of the African Union, is themed:
“Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Discussions will centre on strengthening continental commitments to sustainable water management and improved sanitation systems — widely regarded as critical to public health, food security, climate resilience, and Africa’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063.
Tuggar noted that the 2026 focus on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) underscores its importance as a core human-security priority for the continent.
Bilateral Talks and Regional Security
Beyond plenary sessions, the Vice President is expected to participate in the 30th General Assembly and hold several high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic partnerships.
Key regional issues — including peace and security challenges in the Sahel and Sudan — are also expected to feature prominently in discussions.
Nigeria Secures Strategic Financial Role
In a significant development ahead of the summit, Nigeria was granted a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, reinforcing the country’s influence in shaping Africa’s emerging financial architecture.
The summit is expected to draw African leaders, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on collective strategies for sustainable growth and continental integration.
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